Tirana Clock Tower

The tower is a cylindrical stone-and-brick structure. The lower section is the original 1822 masonry. In 1928, the tower was raised to 35 m and fitted with four Venetian-style clock faces and balconies – replacing the original Venetian bell that had been striking the hours. Inside is a narrow iron spiral staircase of 90 steps. Near the top, the clock mechanisms are visible through the openings.

The viewing platform at the top is compact, fitting 5–6 people at a time. It offers a 360° panorama: Skanderbeg Square with its monument directly below, the mosaic facade of the National Historical Museum, the dome of the Et'hem Bey Mosque, the Resurrection of Christ Cathedral, and Mount Dajti to the east. Mornings catch the light on the mountains; evenings light up the buildings around the square.

After dark, the tower is beautifully illuminated and visible from anywhere on the square. The tower is staffed by volunteers – opening hours can be irregular, so it's best to visit in the morning.

Age – built in 1822, commissioned by Haxhi Et'hem Bey, one of Tirana's oldest surviving structures

Height – 35 m after the 1928 extension, with four Venetian-style clock faces

Climb – 90 steps up a narrow spiral staircase, 5–10 minutes

Panorama – 360° views over Skanderbeg Square, mountains, and the city center

Original bell – imported from Venice, replaced by a German clock mechanism in 1928

The tower was commissioned by Haxhi Et'hem Bey in 1822 – the same figure who completed the adjacent mosque. Its original height was 30 m. Its purpose was to strike the hours with a Venetian bell, calling people to prayer and regulating daily life. The tower was one of the first public structures in Tirana when the city was still emerging as a significant center.

In 1928, under King Zog I, the tower was raised to 35 m and fitted with balconies and four clock faces with a German mechanism. The tower was damaged during World War II but restored. It received first-category cultural monument status in 1948. After several 20th-century restorations, the tower remains functional – the clock works, and visitors can climb to the top for a modest fee.

Location: Skanderbeg Square, next to Et'hem Bey Mosque, central Tirana.

From the airport (17 km, 25–35 min):

– Luna Bus shuttle – 400 ALL (≈ €4/$4)

– Taxi via app – 2,000–2,500 ALL (€20–25/$22–27)

Around the city:

– Walk from anywhere in the center – 5–15 min

– City bus to the square – 40 ALL (€0.40)

From Kruja (32 km): shared minibus (furgon) 300 ALL, 45–60 min

From Durrës (38 km): bus 200 ALL, 35–40 min

Time of day: Morning (9:00–11:00 AM) – the tower is usually open, few visitors, good light. May close by midday – hours are irregular. In the evening the tower is closed, but beautifully lit from outside.

Duration: 15–20 minutes (climb, photos, descent).

Tip: Visit first thing in the morning and combine with the Et'hem Bey Mosque (adjacent) and a walk around Skanderbeg Square.